「PSO2 NGS」のオフイベ「アークスフレンドシップキャラバン2」東京会場をレポート。濱﨑シリーズDのインタビューも掲載

──Arks Friendship Caravan 2 has concluded at this Tokyo venue. Please tell us your thoughts on the series of events.

Mr. Daiki Hamasaki (hereinafter referred to as Mr. Hamasaki):
I am relieved that I was able to run to the end safely. This is the second time for ARCS Friendship Caravan, and we have updated it based on the content of the first time.
Although the number of venues was smaller, more people attended. It was impressive to see how much fun people had, so we would like to consider holding offline events like this in the future.

──Could you tell us about how you started ARCS Friendship Caravan?

Hama family:
During the PSO2 era, we actively held offline events. However, for “NGS,” we decided to focus more on the main game and update content, and did not hold such events.

Meanwhile, we started receiving requests to hold offline events. The team also wanted to provide an experience where players could get to know each other and make memories, so we once again thought about holding an offline event.

Therefore, we first held events in the summer and winter of 2024, which were very well received. Furthermore, I felt that it was good that the tournament was held so that the players could take center stage.

As for the venue, we have selected a location that is relatively easy for people to come from all over the country, and we have designed the content to be more enjoyable.

──This time, the event was held in three locations. Were there any differences in the reactions at each venue?

Hama family:
At the Fukuoka venue, everyone welcomed us warmly, just like last time. The Kyoto venue, where it was held for the first time, had a different atmosphere and warmth than the last time in Osaka and Nagoya. There were many kind people at all three venues, and I had the impression that it was a warm-hearted event.

──Does the atmosphere change between Osaka and Kyoto, which are relatively close to each other?

Hama family:
The Kyoto Stadium was an e-sports facility located inside a soccer stadium, and was close to sightseeing spots. Perhaps because of that, I got the impression that many people who were close to each other came here thinking, “Let’s go out for a bit.”
I don’t mean “people,” but rather the situation was different from events that take place in everyday life.

──Are there any plans to hold such events in the future?

Hama family:
We would like to hold one event in the summer and one in the winter.
In the summer, we’d like to hold special events such as inviting voice actors as guests, and in the winter, we’d like to have content that puts the players as the main characters.
Having said that, I’d get bored if the format was all the same, so I’d like to add a little more variety next time.

—What about the scale? Will it be the same next time as this time?

Hama family:
The scale is assumed to be similar. If it’s a big box, the timing of the event tends to be limited, and the preparation is difficult. Since Sega has the environment to hold events internally, we believe it would be desirable to hold events on a scale similar to that.

Rather than making it a profitable event, we would like to make it a place where we can give back to the players, show our gratitude, and have fun together. If we increase the scale, there is a concern that communication may become a little difficult.
We are also doing live streaming, which allows us to share the content with those who are unable to visit the venue, so we would like to balance that.

Regarding invitations by lottery, we have received feedback that “I would like to be able to participate more freely,” so there is certainly room for consideration.
However, the atmosphere and atmosphere that we had last time has been created because of the enthusiastic people who come to the contest and say, “I will apply for the lottery even if there is a possibility that I won”, so it is quite troubling.

──You mentioned profitability, but are you considering holding events that charge a fee and limit the number of visitors?

Hama family:
At the moment, I am not thinking about it. This is because we have not changed our mindset that the main game service is our top priority.

If I were to seriously do a paid event, I would have to take it seriously myself, and that would reduce the resources I could devote to game development.
That’s not what we or the players want, so we think it’s better to keep the content to fit the current scale.

Although the box is small now, the content is uniquely crafted, so I think we are able to create a special feeling. I want to cherish that.

──During the “PSO2” era, there were events such as real cafes and live performances, but do you have any plans to hold them in the future?

Hama family:
As for the real cafe, it’s entirely up to the other party, so if we receive an offer that says “we want to work together,” we will of course consider it.

Although the number of songs was limited, the live performance was held at an event in the summer of 2025. I think it would be better to increase the number of songs or perform new songs as one of the contents within the event, rather than holding a stand-alone event such as a live event.

──Aren’t you thinking about holding live performances throughout the Phantasy Star series, such as the orchestral concert “Sympathy 2023”?

Hama family:
There are no plans at this time. This is similar to what I said earlier about the scale of the event, but first of all, we are prioritizing “NGS” to provide something that can be enjoyed as “NGS”.

Based on that, I think it is desirable to respond to requests such as “I want something that fits PSO2” at a time when they can clearly feel the value.

──Starting from February 2026, measures to commemorate the 5th anniversary will be rolled out throughout the year. Please let us know if there is anything that has been announced so far.

Hama family:
We plan to release information one by one in the future, so I don’t have much to say at the moment. However, we promise that it will be more luxurious than previous anniversary celebrations.
Also, as I talked about when the roadmap was released, we will provide a new quest category, or how to play quests.
Other than that, we’re focusing on remakes of elements that appeared in PSO2, collaborations with Sega titles, and updates to Alter Realm Exploration and limited-time quests.

──Finally, please give a message to all the players.

Hama family:
Thank you for your continued support of NGS. Thanks to everyone, I was able to complete “ARCS Friendship Caravan 2”.
It was a great event thanks to everyone who came to the venue and everyone who enjoyed the broadcast.
“NGS” will celebrate its 5th anniversary in June of this year. The 5th anniversary event “5!GO!!BEYOND!!!” will start from February. In addition to content distribution, we are planning various updates, so please continue to support “NGS” this year!

—Thank you very much.